The Higher Education Review

The future of a country solely lies in the quality of its youth. There is no better way to empower and strengthen the youth of a country than education.

As one of the largest higher education systems in the world, India’s higher education system is the primary driving force behind the intellectual, socio-capital, and capability growth of this growing country. However, in the name of rapid evolution, the Indian higher Education sector has been experiencing rapid commercialization over the years, resulting in unaffordable financial burdens on the country’s middle class.

While focusing on generating revenues, educational institutes are gradually moving away from the very core of the Indian educational system – adequate research and teaching quality, resulting in a growing number of unemployed youth with inadequate qualifications as per the industry standards.

While few private educational institutions have built a name for themselves over the years in terms of quality of education, one institution that stands out from the rest of its peers in terms of academic quality as well as socio-economic inclusiveness of students is School of Arts & Science, (SAS), Aarupadai Veedu, Campus, Paiyanoor, Chennai.

A subsidiary of Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, the college was established in 2017 to foster young minds towards excellence through education.

The institution was founded as a dream by the late Dr. A. Shanmugasundaram, aiming to provide quality education to underprivileged students. Today, his vision lives on through the dedication of his son, Dr. A. S. Ganesan, and his daughter-in-law, Dr. Anuradha Ganesan.

Programs Aligned with Industry needs
While the college was initially offering generic courses such as B.Com and B.Sc Computer Science, it has evolved over the years taking into account current trends and student feedback Today, AVSAS Campus offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and post-graduate programs including BCA, B.Com, B.Com CA, B.Sc Computer Science, B.Sc Physics, B.Sc Chemistry, B.Sc Mathematics, BA English, B.A Tamil, B.B.A, along with their respective PG and Ph.D Programs.

In 2023, the college expanded its offerings further by introducing new programs such as B.Com (Hons), B.Com (Professional Accountancy), B.Com (Banking & Finance), B.Sc Psychology, B.Sc Food Science & Nutrition, M.Sc Biochemistry, MSW (HR) and M.Sc Data Science.

Cultivating Future-Ready skills
AVSAS Campus has collaborated with computer giants Intel and NEC, Japan, to provide certifications in various trending technologies, like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Data Science, and Cyber security. These companies also offer placement opportunities to eligible students, with a minimum package of around eight lakh per annum.

"A majority of our students come from rural backgrounds and face challenges with English communication. We have a dedicated placement and training division to help students enhance their English communication skills. This process begins by building their confidence through class presentations and gradually transitioning them to English communication.

Additionally, students receive special training in aptitude to develop critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills. We also assist them in crafting their resumes.

Depending on their respective courses, students undergo various certification courses and training programs to acquire core technical skills and become industry-ready. Mock interviews are conducted before each campus drive to prepare students effectively.

To ensure the quality of certifications for our students, AVSAS collaborates with external trainers", adds Dr. T.H. Nazeema, Director of AVSAS.

Creating a Home away from Home with State-of-the- Art Infrastructure
AVSAS Campus also boasts a state-of-the-art infrastructure comprising world-class amenities. These include smart classrooms, various specialized labs such as the Artificial Intelligence Lab, Nanoscience and Technology Lab, and Computer lab, a Central Library, a sports ground, separate gyms for both boys and girls, and an auditorium. Additionally, the college is in the process of constructing a stadium for sports like cricket and basketball.

What sets SAS apart from other educational institutions is the Ganesan Incubation Entrepreneurship Center (GIEC). This center features a design thinking room, a library, Idea generating cafe and various other amenities, all designed to nurture the next generation of leaders.

”A subsidiary of Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, SAS, AV Campus was established in 2017 to foster young minds towards excellence through education”

Empowering the Underserved through Education
To fulfill its founder’s dream of providing quality education to the underprivileged, SAS at AV Campus offers a wide range of scholarships. Free seats are awarded to students who score above 95 percent in the 12th standard, a 75 percent fee waiver is provided to those securing between 80 and 95 percent, a 50 percent fee waiver for scores between 70 and 80 percent, and a 25 percent fee waiver for scores between 60 and 70 percent. These scholarships are offered by the management to empower bright underprivileged and rural students.

Charting the path forward
The future roadmap for AVSAS Campus includes obtaining individual department accreditations. The college also plans to establish Alumni Chapters worldwide. Over the years, the college aspires to become one of the premier institutions globally.